Magnetotaxis

Magnetotaxis is a process implemented by a diverse group of Gram-negative bacteria that involves orienting and coordinating movement in response to Earth's magnetic field.[1] This process is mainly carried out by microaerophilic and anaerobic bacteria found in aquatic environments such as salt marshes, seawater, and freshwater lakes.[2] By sensing the magnetic field, the bacteria are able to orient themselves towards environments with more favorable oxygen concentrations. This orientation towards more favorable oxygen concentrations allows the bacteria to reach these environments faster as opposed to random movement through Brownian motion.[3]

  1. ^ Lefevre, C. T.; Bazylinski, D. A. (4 September 2013). "Ecology, Diversity, and Evolution of Magnetotactic Bacteria". Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews. 77 (3): 497–526. doi:10.1128/MMBR.00021-13. PMC 3811606. PMID 24006473.
  2. ^ Yan, Lei; Zhang, Shuang; Chen, Peng; Liu, Hetao; Yin, Huanhuan; Li, Hongyu (October 2012). "Magnetotactic bacteria, magnetosomes and their application". Microbiological Research. 167 (9): 507–519. doi:10.1016/j.micres.2012.04.002. PMID 22579104.
  3. ^ Smith, M.J.; Sheehan, P.E.; Perry, L.L.; O’Connor, K.; Csonka, L.N.; Applegate, B.M.; Whitman, L.J. (August 2006). "Quantifying the Magnetic Advantage in Magnetotaxis". Biophysical Journal. 91 (3): 1098–1107. Bibcode:2006BpJ....91.1098S. doi:10.1529/biophysj.106.085167. PMC 1563769. PMID 16714352.